Mercuri Urval Appoints Leader of Construction Practice
March 3, 2026 – Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has named Ulf Hillstedt as global practice lead for the construction practice. “Ulf has been working with clients from the construction industry for so many years, that he is the obvious choice to coordinate our activities in this industry globally,” said Andreas Frische, CRO at MU. “We know his passion for the construction Industry, and we are sure our services will benefit many more customers under his management of the construction practice.”
Based in Malmö, Sweden, Mr. Hillstedt has a previous background as management consultant for nearly 30 years, controller, and CEO in Sweden, Denmark and Norway as well as director positions within business development and innovation. Furthermore, he has held positions as a board member in Sweden and Denmark and engaged in mentorships for startups. Mr. Hillstedt also has a background as a teacher at IHM Business School from 1997-2000.
“After 25 exciting years in the market research industry, I strived for doing something new, becoming a leader within a completely new business-to-business sector, within the traditional industry,” Mr. Hillstedt said. “I met a number of recruitment companies and there was only one match for me – MU was clearly state-of-the-art, way ahead all competitors. To me it is important that the MU way of working is based on scientific knowledge and facts. For me it is essential to be able to deliver reliable leadership advice, over time. The approach is based on precisely tailored services and not standard solutions i.e. one size fits all-concept.”
“MU knows that you must know the unique circumstances of an organization and its result needs, as well as the specific requirements on the leader,” Mr. Hillstedt continued. “Highest standard of quality and ethics has always been important for me, and it is so obvious that all people and the culture stand for this. MU has given me the opportunity to delve into how people and organizations works and evolves, which I find both stimulating and meaningful. I have learned how to assess how well an individual will be able to deliver future results in a specific role. I have learned how to best get the extra potential that you can see. Regardless of whether it is a leader, a team or a company.”
Related: Mercuri Urval Group Appoints Sector Leader
Mercuri Urval is a global executive search and talent advisory firm. The firm was founded in 1967. Today, Mercuri Urval works with more than 3,000 clients – across all sectors – in over 70 countries every year. It is the only global executive search and leadership advisory firm based in the Nordics.
Senior Appointments
Mercuri Urval recently created a new executive committee with the additions of Moa Wennlöf as chief client services officer and Andreas Frische as chief revenue officer. They join the existing CFO Tomas Hedstrom and CEO Richard Moore. “In the past five years MU has successfully strengthened its business as a leading international executive search and leadership advisory business,” said Mr. Moore. “To further build on recent success MU appoints a new executive committee with the responsibility to further develop MU for clients and colleagues. The executive committee guides and supports MU team directors and practice heads globally in leading the continued development of MU. Congratulations to Andreas and Moa in taking on their new responsibilities to safeguard and develop MU.”
Mercuri Urval Partners with Bell Oaks Executive Search
Mercuri Urval (MU) has formed an alliance with Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search. “Cooperating with a highly reputable, and well established executive search firm such as Bell Oaks, represents a significant milestone for our organization, both internationally and within the U.S.,” said Darcie Murray, head of Americas, MU. “This will not only enhance our ability to attract top-tier talent but also align our leadership resources with our strategic growth objectives. We are confident that this collaboration will elevate our competitive edge, and ultimately, deliver exceptional value to our clients and stakeholders. We look forward to welcoming the entire Bell Oaks team into MU as a strategic partner, and further servicing our clients with the best talent in the executive search industry.”
Ms. Wennlöf has been with Mercuri Urval since 2012, where she started working as a local consultant. As the chief client services officer at MU, she is responsible for overseeing the client services office, focusing on enhancing delivery effectiveness and ensuring compliance with MU standards. She leads the client services team to improve the quality and efficiency of service delivery, and shorten delivery timelines. Ms. Wennlöf plays a critical role in managing the project management office, learning & development, compliance & data protection, and the development of client service applications and digital services.
As the chief revenue officer at MU, Mr. Frische is responsible for leading all client and market related activities. He leads the firm’s team directors and global practice heads worldwide. Together with the EVP global talent acquisition and strategic alliances, Robin Karlstedt, Mr. Frische takes care to globally acquire new talents and strategic partnerships for MU. Prior to his present role, he worked as a consultant in Munich. Mr. Frische had P&L responsibility for teams in Hamburg and Munich and has developed the teams in Dresden and Berlin.
Related: Mercuri Urval Acquires Delta Management Consultants
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
